What is the origin or meaning of saying The sidewalks roll up at?

The phrase "the sidewalks roll up at" is a slang expression, usually followed by a specific time, like "the sidewalks roll up at 5pm." It refers to the closing time of a business or a town when most shops and businesses are shutting down for the day.

Here's why it's called "rolling up the sidewalks":

* Historical context: In older times, some businesses would literally roll up their sidewalks at the end of the day for security purposes. This was particularly common in small towns or cities with higher crime rates.

* Metaphorical meaning: The expression became a metaphor for the general feeling of a town or area becoming quiet and deserted after closing hours.

* Modern usage: Today, the phrase is often used in a humorous or ironic way, especially in places where sidewalks don't actually roll up!

It's a way to express the feeling of a place becoming inactive and unwelcoming after the bustle of the day has ended.